KUCHING: Malaysia Day is an occasion for Malaysians to renew their commitment to harmony, mutual respect and acceptance, says a religious leader.
Kuching Roman Catholic Archbishop Datuk Simon Poh said Malaysia Day celebrates the unification of Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula as a nation, with the aim of fostering an inclusive Malaysian identity.
He said it also celebrates the rich diversity and unity of Malaysia's various races, religions, cultures, faiths and communities.
"On this Malaysia Day, let us commit ourselves to live in harmony as we celebrate our unity in diversity and strive for a future where everyone is respected, protected and cared for.
True harmony begins with building friendships in our neighbourhoods, classrooms and workplaces," he said in his Malaysia Day message on Tuesday (Sept 16).
Poh also urged Malaysians not to let prejudice, mistrust or violence divide them, but to stand together against all forms of violence, including bullying in schools, child abuse, workplace harassment, domestic violence and extremism.
"As part of nation building, let us work tirelessly to foster better understanding and strengthen the bonds of unity across Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia," he added.
Separately, about 3,000 participants took part in the Malaysia Day Run in Bintulu early Tuesday morning.
The event was flagged off at the Bintulu Civic Centre by state Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi.
The 6km run was one of several events lined up for the state-level Malaysia Day celebration held in Bintulu this year.
The participation of runners from all segments of society reflected the spirit of Malaysia Day among the local community.
Among those present were Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and state deputy ministers Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Datuk Martin Ben.
Also taking part were local assemblymen Johnny Pang, Iskandar Turkee and Kennedy Chukpai, Bintulu Resident Datuk Nyurak Keti and heads of departments.
